Chewing betel nuts induces a brief high that feels similar being lightly drunk but also makes the user more active and gives him the feeling of happiness. The full effects of betel nut chewing unfold only when the ingredients (leaf of betel pepper, betel nut, slaked lime and leaf of tobacco) are combined. If consumed individually no effect is noticeable. The approximately 10 cm large, heart-shaped betel pepper leaves mask the bitter taste of the betel nut and make it more pleasant to eat. The betel nut grows on the areca palm. Despite the name, it should not be confused with the betel pepper! The green betel nut is first cut into pieces. Then the skin of the fruit is peeled off. Slaked lime is added. Slaked lime is obtained from mussel shells. These are burned, then finely ground and slaked. The main reason to add slaked lime is that calcium hydroxide makes the betel nut's alkaloid stimulants available, allowing absorption through the mucous membranes into the blood. This is what creates the intoxicating effect. Pieces of a tobacco leaf are added for better taste. After a few minutes of chewing, the first effects can be felt. Increased salivation, which turns red in color, is noticeable. Excessive saliva is not swallowed but spat out.

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